Stats Excellence in the Pharmaceutical Industry Award launched

The RSS and Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry (PSI) now welcome entries for their 2018 joint Award for Statistical Excellence in the Pharmaceutical Industry. The award celebrates influential examples of the application of an existing statistical practice, or the implementation of an innovative statistical practice, in the pharmaceutical industry.

Last year’s winner was Michael O'Kelly of Quintiles for his work 'Promoting analytical solutions and best practices for handling missing data in pharmaceutical industry'. Previous award winners are Richard Nixon of Novartis (2016), Katrina Gore of Pfizer and Nicky Best at GSK (2015), Craig Mallinckrodt of Eli Lilly (2014), Björn Bornkamp of Novartis (2013),Harry Southworth of AstraZeneca (2012), and Phil Woodward of Pfizer (2011).

'This award is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the important work of statisticians working in the pharmaceutical industry. We encourage all to enter a piece of work,' said Hetan Shah, executive director of the Royal Statistical Society.

Tim Rolfe, who is on the board of directors of PSI, commented: 'This award highlights the critical role of statistics in drug development. Making a nomination not only recognises the nominee, but also brings kudos to their organisation and most importantly, enhances the reputation and benefit of statistics within the pharmaceutical industry.'